“We have looked very close at security and we have got arrangements in place,” she said.

“There will be guards in place but I really hope it’s peaceful. People have a right to protest and I respect that.

“What I appeal for is that this is peaceful and that we allow our team members and our clients to come in and out of the clinic in a way that they won’t feel threatened or abused. But I will do absolutely everything to protect our team and our clients.”

McNeil pointed out that even from time to time in England, where unlike Northern Ireland the 1967 Abortion Act allows for terminations up to 24 weeks, Marie Stopes clinics have to employ security staff.

“I am always mindful of the security of our team members and that is something we take very seriously. I would be foolish if I was not concerned about that.”

Marie Stopes has also been working with the PSNI to review their security needs in advance of the opening.